On 24 April 2026, Property Council submitted on Selwyn District Council’s Draft Annual Plan 2026/27.
Why this matters to our members
The Draft Annual Plan 2026/27 is part of Selwyn District Council’s planning cycle. It outlines what Selwyn District Council proposes to deliver in the coming financial year and how services and activities will be funded.
Our view
The Draft Annual Plan proposes a range of rates increases, with trade-offs clearly explained, Property Council supports this approach. However, we are concerned about proposals to increase regulatory services fees, particularly building consenting fees, as this will impact project feasibility and investment. A stronger focus is needed on managing expenditure, aligning capital projects to minimise business disruption, improving transparency, and adopting alternative funding approaches that are fair and proportionate.
At a high level, we recommended that Dunedin City Council:
- Proceed with a 5.4% rates increase for 2026-27;
- Continue to reduce the scale of future rates increases through careful management of operational and capital expenditure, and investigating alternative funding mechanisms;
- Consider options to minimise disruption to business when rephasing capital expenditure projects; and
- Provide more transparency around setting new fees and consider the fairness of fee increases that disproportionately impact the property sector in Selwyn. Specify when proposed fees would take effect.